Ageless elegance for summer
AS A former editor of Cosmopolitan, glamorous clothes are something I have always enjoyed. But the High Street has not been kind to women seeking practical, timeless style in recent years — especially in summer. Until now, that is. Fashion has stopped ignoring the 50-plus woman and entered its most wearable season ever. You can be utterly at ease in these clothes.
COOL KIMONO
Kimono coat, £275, and dress, £195, thefoldlondon.com Belt, £69, baukjen.com Heels, £129, reiss.com This smart yet simple white-and-navy dress could be the answer to summer events. Wear the navy kimono if it’s chilly and add the belt to accentuate the waist. You could be the best dressed woman at the garden party.
COMFY CULOTTES
Blouse, £95, reiss.com Culottes, £40, very.co.uk Scarf, £99, jaeger.co.uk Heels, £198, lucychoilondon.com There is nothing so sweetly charming as a pair of pale pink culottes. More stylish than shorts or tight capri pants, try updating yours with a liberty silk or vintage scarf. it’ll be noticed — in the right way.
FLIRTY FUN
Dress, £279, emilevidalcarr.com Heels, £135, reiss.com A DRESS for grown-ups with an urge to party, this frock covers your knees, it doesn’t do cleavage and hugs every curve. Added to the fact that it flirts for Great Britain.
SUPER SHIRT DRESS
Stripe shirt dress, £40, warehouse.co.uk Heels, £29.99, zara.com Blue- and- white stripes always show off fresh, low-key glamour. Pair with pale-blue strappy heels for the promenade, or sandals if you’re on a beach holiday.
FAB FLATS
Top, £89, and trousers, £110, reiss.com Flats, £215, lucychoi london.com The i’m utterly-at-ease, where-shall-wego look of flat shoes, long trousers and a well-fitted T-shirt means you can’t go wrong. You can go anywhere.
WHITE WONDER
Cape jacket, £69.99, zara.com Dress, £179, reiss.com Shoes, £180, lkbennett.com IF YOU insist on eating at five-star restaurants and don’t mind turning heads, then this is the perfect outfit. White and wonderful. Pair with lots of confidence (but you’ll need a good dry cleaner).